James Lafayette ‘Jim’ Black

A gathering to celebrate the life of James Lafayette “Jim” Black was held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Jim was born the only child of James L. and Frances (Kasal) Black on Sept. 10, 1933 in Cortez. He passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. Jim was 80 years old.

Raised in Dolores, Jim graduated from Dolores High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Jim married Marilyn Janelle Huff on July 31, 1970 in Cortez. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage before Janelle’s death in 2003.

Always active, Jim began every morning with a walk to the El Grande for coffee, a habit that he carried on for 40 years. He loved camping trips taken with Janelle and drives through the mountains. Branson, Mo., held a fascination for Jim and he made sure to visit every year. Jim was also a member of the Elks.

Surviving Jim are his son, Mike Black and wife, Allyson of Marble Falls, Tex.; stepdaughter, Pam Seyller and husband, Carl of St. Joseph, Mo.; grandchildren, Alex Black of San Antonio, Tex., Emily Wieweck of Austin, Tex., Jacob Wieweck of San Marcos, Tex., Eli Seyller of St. Joseph, Mo., Jessica and Melissa Bair both of Farmington, N.M., and Triesten Black of Dolores. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Frances Black; by his wife, Janelle Black; and by his son, Gary Edward Black.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of James L. Black with the American Cancer Society. Jim’s gathering was hosted under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home.